Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies

One last post before I unplug for the weekend. After work tomorrow I plan on spending the weekend with my Valentine. Fingers crossed that I’m able to fight off this cold that has been plaguing me all week so we can enjoy our time together.

There’s a little story behind these cookies…

One Valentine’s Day when I was 15 and a sophomore in high school I had a boyfriend who was a senior. We dated for almost two years, practically an eternity in high school, and for Valentine’s Day that year, he brought me a couple dozen heart-shaped, strawberry-flavored cookies. No, he didn’t make the cookies himself; his mom made them, and they were delicious. As fate would have it, we got out of school that V-Day at 10 a.m. for bad weather, leaving me majorly bummed but happy to keep two dozen cookies to myself.

I’m not sure why these cookies made such an impact on me, but every Valentine’s Day since then I have thought about those cookies. I convinced myself they were better in my memory. But when I made them this week, I realized I was wrong. The deliciousness was not in my imagination. It was real.

Disclaimer: These are not sophisticated, classy cookies. They are just down-home yummy in the simplest sense of the word. Based off a strawberry-flavored boxed cake mix, they couldn’t be easier. and since the cookies are very sweet, the cream cheese frosting is a perfect, tangy balance.

Instructions*Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a cookie sheet, line with parchment paper, or use a Silpat (what I did).*In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, oil and water. Stir by hand until ingredients are evenly combined. Scoop dough by tablespoon portions and roll between your hands to make a smooth ball. Set on a baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.*Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, until slightly crackled on top and just lightly golden around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.*Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, milk and red food coloring. Continue to beat until smooth. Spread on top of cookies and beat until well combined.*Spread frosting atop of cooled cookies and garnish with pink sprinkles and/or edible pearls, if desired.

Love that you make these using cake mix. The pink color is so pretty in them. Have a great Valentine's weekend!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/17568390381633903271 C. Buckley

These look delicious. I'm def. going to give them a try.

http://www.engineerandanoven.blogspot.com Caroline at Engineer and an Oven

The pink color is so pretty in these cookies! And I think, in high school, you're lucky if the guy even remembers it's Valentine's day, much less brings you a dozen of these delicious beauties! Oh how lucky you were!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/02682227380635985644 URBakin'MeCrazyy

These look absolutely fabulous! I will definetely add these to my list of things to make.! Meganurbakinmecrazyy.blogspot.com

http://livininthekitchen.wordpress.com/ livininthekitchen

Bah! These are soo cute, and a good change from red velvet!Jess

http://www.blogger.com/profile/11722170630645934568 Rachel

I love how these are pink! So fun! And they sound delicious!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/05189546197089217628 aub

These are adorable! You've inspired me for the perfect Valentine's treat!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/07891775241954765418 The Milbrodt Family

Making these now! The batter tastes yummy:) I'm just wondering if they should be a little sticky? I only used 1/4 cup water. Off to make cookies!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/17728289485178979972 Madison Mayberry

Hey there Milbrodt Family!

Yes, the batter will be a little bit sticky. They spread out a bit when you bake them, Let me know how they turn out!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/07891775241954765418 The Milbrodt Family

Thanks Madison! Pfew… Kelly:)

Anonymous

Mine turned out great. They are delicious

http://www.blogger.com/profile/01888245402521524357 Amy Kelly

These were a quick and yummy Valentine's Day treat! I'm planning to try making them again soon with Duncan Hines Orange Supreme cake mix for an orange creamsicle variety.

http://writergirlmelissa.wordpress.com/ melbelle13

Thanks so much for the recipe! I baked up a batch to bring to work on Valentine's Day, and they were gone in a snap! Such a simple and cute Valentine's dessert.

Anonymous

i'm a little late for valentine's but these are birthday cookies for my bf who is an aspiring chef… wish me luck;)

http://peebz.webs.com shannon

can i use whipped cream cheese? or should it be regular cc?

Vyvacious.wordpress.com

I am super duper late to the party but these look so good!! I love easy recipes that are big on flavor!